With the delayed Euro 2020 tournament now just a matter of months away, we’ve taken a look at some of the most eye-catching and iconic strips to have ever graced the competition.
The Netherlands 1988
The Netherlands claimed their only major trophy to date at Euro 88 and they did it wearing arguably their best ever kit. The Dutch are always striking on the international stage with their trademark orange shirts but the 88 version really was something special with an arrowed design.
That Dutch team boasted some huge stars such as a 23-year-old Marco van Basten in attack, the two Koeman brothers, Frank Rijkaard in defence and all-action midfielder Ruud Gullit captaining the side.
The current Netherlands side may not be quite as star-studded but they still have some real quality and are rated at 11/1 to go all the way this summer.
Denmark 1992
Denmark’s victory in the European Championships in 1992 ranks alongside Greece’s success in 2004 as one of the biggest surprises in the history of the tournament so it is only fitting they get a mention.
The Danes were only involved in the competition in neighbouring Sweden as a result of the breakup of Yugoslavia but they weren’t there just to make up the numbers. Denmark held England to a draw in their opener but then lost to the hosts, before claiming a memorable victory over France to reach the semi-finals.
Denmark, who are 28/1 to win this time around, did it in a bold red shirt with white detailing around the arms and shoulders. The star of the show for the Danes was keeper Peter Schmeichel, and he was kitted out in a simply outrageous multi-coloured effort that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the 90s rave scene.
Croatia 1996
Croatia competed in their first tournament as an independent nation in 1996 after the breakup of the former Yugoslavia and they did it in a unique home shirt. The Croatian home strip is always an eye-catching effort, but the chequered design of the 1996 version really was something special.
Croatia reached the World Cup final in their last major tournament but they are a relatively big, possibly tempting, 33/1 to win Euro 2020 outright, with each-way betting available.
England Away Euro 2012
England kits tend to be a little bland when compared to some of their international rivals. It turns out white isn’t necessarily the easiest colour to play around with, but a few of their away kits have been a little more adventurous over the years.
Who can forget the grey effort of 1996? Or the various red numbers they’ve sported over the years? In 2012, England went with a classy all-black alternate stripe with baby blue collars and oversized numbers on the chest.
The tournament itself wasn’t too memorable for the Three Lions. They finished top of their group but were then beaten on penalties by Italy in the next round, with a superb Spanish team taking the title.
England will be sporting a blue away kit this summer and they go into Euro 2020 as the joint 5/1 favourites alongside France.
Italy Euro 2000
Italy is the birthplace of some the most famous designers in history such as Gianni Versace, Giorgio Armani, Pierre Cardin and whoever it is that comes up with their football kits.
Granted, the Italian shirts are never too bold or garish, but the deep shade of blue they use for their home kit is a truly iconic sight in international football. In 2000 they had an incredible squad including Paolo Maldini, Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Cannavaro but they fell at the final hurdle as Zinedine Zidane’s France downed them in the final.
There aren’t many superstar names in the current Azzurri squad but they still have a strong team and are rated at 10/1 to win the tournament outright.
*All odds correct at time of writing
